September 27, 2002: On my 43rd birthday, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Scary.
As soon as I understood the consequences of my diagnosis, I decided to approach it like I was entering a street-fight in a dark alley. To win I would have to take some punches and I knew they would hurt. But I was ready to roll with those punches and look for my own chances to punch, scratch, kick, bite - whatever it took.
So the fight ensued and it was quite a showdown. It included experiencing a bone marrow biopsy, a mediastinoscopy operation, three thoracentesis procedures, and six hardcore chemo-therapy treatments (CHOP) over the winter of 2002 - 03. Look those medical terms up if you like but I can assure you they are all ugly, unpleasant events. Side affects including fatigue, nausea, hair-loss and many more were all part of the experience. It was a difficult winter.
Success: By spring of 2003, my family, our friends and I celebrated entirely successful results from my treatment program! My status as being "in remission" and a cancer survivor had officially begun.
I could not have gone through it all without the awesome power of prayer, love, and support from so many caring people. I had never felt the power of so many people praying for me as I did during the battle. I am forever indebted to many of you for those gifts. You know who you are!
I also benefited greatly from a team of competent medical experts - doctors and nurses and radiologists - some who I never actually met. They are all soldiers in my army. TOGETHER we formed one powerful fighting machine. Thank you all.
Dr. Mark Olsen, MD, PhD - Cancer Care -Tulsa
Dr. Mark Britt, MD - Private Practice – Tulsa
Dr. Tito Razdan, MD - Springer Clinic - Tulsa (My PCP)
Dr. Michael Bishop, MD - National Cancer Institute
Marybeth Stegenga, RN - Memorial Sloan-Kettering (my cousin!)
Chemo nurses, radiologists, lab technicians, and staff at Cancer Care Associates in Tulsa.
How I’m Doing: My doctors see no evidence of cancer in my body. It is a wonderful victory that we share with all demonstrated their care for my family and me. Love and positive energy sent by prayer and by message are ultimately POWERFUL!
Although I am cancer free, my recovery from cancer continues. Relapse of lymphoma is still a possibility but I'm not waiting around for it. Advances in lymphoma treatment are being made rapidly. In fact, my own treatment program is relatively new and may very well turn out to be a slam-dunk success. It has been so far!
I want to continue to battle against the cancer enemy for all of us. I can do that by being a voice of advocacy and fundraising for cancer research and survivor programs. I hope you will join me in making a contribution to the Lance Armstrong Foundation in honor of someone you know whose life has been touched by cancer.
Victors All: A victory in the battle against cancer is not always defined by remission status. Victory goes to all those who fight the good fight and find courage in measures they did not know before. Victory goes to all who respond to the challenge with commitment, grace, and faith.
